Skip to content

Courtois reiterates desire for Spanish move: 'My heart is in Madrid'

GLYN KIRK / AFP / Getty

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted once again that he dreams of returning to the city of Madrid to be closer to his family, but offered that he's also willing to sign a contract extension with the Blues.

The 25-year-old Belgian shot-stopper spent three years in the Spanish capital while on loan at Atletico Madrid, and while he's very much first choice at Stamford Bridge these days, he still desires a move back to be with his young son and daughter.

He revealed as much to Sport/Foot Magazine, as quoted by Sky Sports:

"My personal situation is related to the city of Madrid. My two children live there with their mum. I have my daughter every day on FaceTime. She often tells me that she misses me. My son is still too small to communicate like that.

"Whenever I have the opportunity, I try to return to Spain. As a situation, it is not always easy. Yes, my heart is in Madrid. It is logical and understandable."

Courtois' current contract at Chelsea is set to expire in 2019, and he has made no secret of his desire to play for either Atletico or Real Madrid in the future. Matt Law of The Telegraph previously reported that Chelsea, in an effort to keep him in London, could make him the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world with an offer exceeding David De Gea's wages of £200,000 per week.

While Courtois made clear he's willing to stick around at Chelsea - provided his compatriot Eden Hazard does, too - he also hinted he would reciprocate any solid interest from either Madrid club.

"If they want me, they have to contact Chelsea," Courtois said of Atletico and Real. "We'll see. But they have not done that. What is certain is that one day I will return to Madrid. I love Spain, I love the city, I spent three wonderful years there. It is there that I became an adult.

"I understand that the rumours are coming back today, as we are talking about a new goalkeeper there (at Real). But I do not pay much attention to that, I stay focused on Chelsea.

"If Real are really interested, my personal situation could influence things. The family aspect is priceless. But I repeat to you that, for the moment, I'm busy talking to Chelsea to extend."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox